Why you should go: It's the Bone Bash, which is kind of like the Black and White Ball for classic rock fans. For the 2014 affair, local radio station KSAN-FM 107.7 (The Bone) has once again put together a solid lineup, highlighted by the long-awaited return of Boston.

On second thought: Boston is touring in support of a new album, "Life, Love & Hope," which is its first release since 2002's "Corporate America." And this is one classic-rock band that still takes its new records very seriously -- even if fans don't. That means there's a chance that Boston could load up its set with new tunes and skimp a bit on the classics. That would be bad.

Aging classic rock bands are part of any summer concert season. But this summer is classic rock heaven, with nearly a dozen such coming through the Bay Area in a three-week stretch.
(Mark DuFrene/Bay Area News Group)

Best on the bill: It's easy to take San Jose's Doobie Brothers for granted, since the band performs so regularly in the Bay Area. Yet, the Doobies are still absolutely sensational in concert. Every time it takes the stage, the band makes a convincing case for why it should be enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Details: 7 p.m. Aug. 2; Shoreline; $30-$106

Michael McDonald, Toto

Why you should go: To hear the work that McDonald did with the Doobie Brothers, including such fan favorites as "Minute by Minute," "Takin' It to the Streets" and "What a Fool Believes."

On second thought: "Yah Mo B There."

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Best on the bill: Both acts are just so, um, earnest. And we're having a really hard time responding in kind. So, we'll just pick Toto, because it had the better videos in the '80s.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5; Mountain Winery; $49.50-$129.50

ZZ Top, Jeff Beck

Why you should go: The Beards 'N Beck Tour delivers two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acts, each with its own dedicated fan base. The two acts share some similarities -- notably a penchant for blistering guitar work -- but overall are different enough to make for a diversely appealing night of music.

On second thought: How many meaty guitar leads can you handle in one evening? If your answer is less than 527,614, then this might not be the show for you.

Best on the bill: ZZ Top is fun and all, but getting to watch Beck play guitar is like getting to watch Picasso paint. He's one of the all-time greats and shouldn't be missed.

Details: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12; Mountain Winery; $65-$225

Aerosmith, Slash

Why you should go: Aerosmith will likely play songs from the '70s.

On second thought: Aerosmith will likely also play songs from the '80s, '90s and (shudder) the 2000s.

Alice Cooper, he of the seemingly endless supply of eyeliner, is opening for Motley Crue on their summer tour, but he could turn out to be the highlight of the show.
(Joel Bissell/AP Archives)

Best on the bill: It's still definitely Aerosmith, which has so much more to offer than former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. Yet, the single best moment of the night might just be when Slash burns through that legendary solo in GNR's "Sweet Child O' Mine." And the second best moment could be when he crushes the lead at the end of "November Rain." Wait ... is it too late to change our answer?